Saturday, February 06, 2010

A Stop Along the Highway.....




- I have heard, in business, education, sports, or in general, that opportunity knocks, is available for a time, and then it passes....whether we take advantage or not......This morning, I felt as though I had taken advantage of a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with one of my favorite species of avia....The Sandhill Crane. So, this post is dedicated to Grus canadensis.
- This species has appeared in this journal previously, but, as is the case with many transient species, good photographs are often hard to come by. I have often watched these majestic birds in flight, which often seems effortless as they drift through the sky. Sometimes they are beyond sight, thousands of feet up, and their distinctive chortle is the only evidence of their presence.
- Like the Canada Goose, The Sandhill Cranes generally fly in a V-formation. This species can be distinguished in flight from the Canadas by the more slender profile, length and longer neck.
- The only other similar species in our area is the Great Blue Heron, often commonly (and mistakenly) called a "crane". This solitary and secretive bird is often seen wading in ponds, temporary puddles and along the edges of lakes...searching for a variety of aquatic 'snacks'.
- This morning......driving along on Highway 127S, I saw a couple of the cranes drifting against the backdrop of low clouds.
- Closer inspection revealed several small groups of cranes in flight, some higher than others. As I drove further, the opportunity presented itself.......
- In a field near the roadway, along a stream, were hundreds of the birds.........I quickly pulled over, stepped out, and began snapping photos. For a few minutes, I had the vantage point all to myself, but soon several other vehicles noticed the birds, and they too, pulled over to take advantage of another of Mother Nature's temporary treats.
- The cranes, which have a wingspan to 7', have a red crown atop their slender head, and often there is a rusty stain on the generally grey feathers. The location where these were photographed is roughly 40-45 minutes from the Hiwassee National Refuge on The Tennessee River, a major staging area for these birds. They are migratory and the best bet to see large numbers of these birds is usually February and November.